The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals tip off on Wednesday night with the New York Knicks facing off against the Indiana Pacers in a matchup very few expected.
The No. 3-seeded Knicks took down the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs in six games, before upsetting the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics in a six-game series.
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On the other side of the bracket, the Pacers took down the No. 5-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in five games, and then shockingly dismantled the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a five-game series to clinch their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
This Eastern Conference Finals is a rematch of last year's East Semis, where the Pacers took down the Knicks in seven games.
The staff at Newsweek Sports has already made their predictions for the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. Here's how the East bracket will shake out.
Read more:Thunder vs Timberwolves Expert Predictions for NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals
Noah Camras: The Pacers are suddenly morphing into an East powerhouse, and will look to continue their Cinderella run with an upset over the Knicks. The Knicks are as loaded as any team left, but they're very top-heavy, relying on their starting lineup more than any team..
This series will be plenty exciting, and the Pacers will prove they need to be taken seriously. In the end, though, the tough Knicks defense will prevail and send New York to their first NBA Finals since 1999.
Prediction: Knicks in 6
Ryan Stano: Tyrese Haliburton will force pundits to take him seriously as a superstar, while Aaron Nesmith's defense will frustrate Jalen Brunson as it did a year ago. For the Knicks, Karl Anthony-Towns will get into foul trouble in at least two of these games as the Pacers march to the NBA Finals.
Prediction: Pacers in 6
Gabe Smallson: The Pacers are rumbling through the Eastern Conference after putting up 117.7 points per game during this postseason run. The last two series wins certainly featured key injuries from their opponents, but nothing can take away the, at times, effortless looking play from Indiana.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have had their share of decisive victories through clawing back and reminding the basketball world of their hard-nose approach to the postseason. Although it appears the Jayson Tatum and subsequent Jaylen Brown injury helped New York earn their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks closed in on a 3-1 lead before any superstars went down and will continue punishing defenses until June.
Prediction: Knicks in 6
Ricardo Sandoval: The Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, and the buzz in the city is undeniable. On the other side, the Pacers are determined to break through and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
This matchup revives a classic rivalry, and both teams are capable of winning it all. The Knicks hold the edge in home court advantage and boast the series' top star in Jalen Brunson.
Still, the Pacers have looked like the most consistent and complete team in the postseason. With their depth, energy and youth, they present a difficult challenge for New York. Expect a tough and physical battle — one that Indiana is poised to win.
Prediction: Pacers in 7
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This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 3:12 PM.